Skip advert
Advertisement

Renaultsport Clio 200 Silverstone review

A unique paintscheme and a full options workout make the Renaultsport Clio 200 Silverstone GP Edition the most expensive version of the French hot hatch since the seminal Clio V6

Evo rating
RRP
from £19,995
  • Thrashable engine, great chassis
  • Expensive compared to basic car

What is it?

Pretty much the last hurrah for the Renaultsport Clio 200. The Silverstone GP is a limited edition of 50, and is set to be the most expensive Clio since the death of the mighty V6, carrying a £19,995 pricetag. That’s a major hike over the price of the most basic Renaultsport Clio Cup - £16,390 to you – but the range-topper comes with pretty much kitchen-sink spec including unique-to-it silver paintwork, climate control, auto lights and mirrors and some natty 17-inch black alloys. Plus that all important ‘limited edition’ plaque of course – only 50 will be produced. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Technical highlights?

Mechanically it’s identical to the existing Renaultsport Clio, meaning the same rev-happy 2-litre engine which trades anaemic low-range torque for a scintillating top-end. 

With pretty much every other manufacturer of small performance cars moving to turbocharged petrol engines, it’s not hard to see the Clio’s naturally aspirated motor as being the end of an era – it’s certainly one of the last hot hatches that enjoys being ragged out to over 7000rpm. We already know that the next-gen Renaultsport Clio will be shifting to a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, so get it while you can.

The chassis settings are similarly unchanged from the existing Clio 200, with the Silverstone GP getting the firmer ‘Cup’ suspension settings. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

What’s it like to drive?

Still pretty great, even after all these years. The Silverstone GP might be little more than a paintscheme and a plaque, but it’s still worth celebrating the way the Renaultsport Clio does its thing. There is communicative steering, brilliant brakes and a real tactile pleasure to be derived from rowing the Clio up and down the closely stacked ratios of the six-speed manual gearbox.

As with the basic Renaultsport Clio Cup the chassis is pretty much spot-on. There’s lots of grip, but not too much – the Clio has a beautiful handling balance that enables you to pay the front and the rear ends off against each other, the decision on which end loses grip first left pretty much up to you. Very few cars enjoy being chucked around as much as the Clio seems to – or forgive so easily when you transgress their limits. We really will miss it when it’s gone.

How does it compare?

The Silverstone GP’s biggest competitor is likely to be the standard Clio 200. And unless you really need a few extra toys – or place enormous importance on the exclusivity brought by the limited edition plaque – we reckon that the basic car probably still offers better value.

Anything else I need to know?

There’s also a limited-to-50 Silverstone GP edition of the Renaultsport Twingo offering a similar deal – the hardcore Cup chassis settings along with a unique paintscheme and a few more toys. At £14,995 it’s £2785 more expensive than the Twingo Cup. 

Specifications

Engine1998cc , 4-cyl, petrol
Max power197bhp @ 7100rpm
Max torque159lb ft@5400rpm
0-606.9 sec (claimed 0-62mph)
Top speed141mph
On saleNow
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk5, 2004 - 2009) review – one of the best VWs of the last 30 years
VW Golf GTI Mk5 front
In-depth reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk5, 2004 - 2009) review – one of the best VWs of the last 30 years

Volkswagen's quintessential hot hatch saw a stunning return to form in Mk5 guise. It’s aged like a fine wine and is an appreciating modern classic tod…
2 Sep 2025
The Nissan GT-R is finally dead after 18 years
Nissan GT-R finishes production
News

The Nissan GT-R is finally dead after 18 years

The Nissan GT-R has finally ended production, at over 48,000 units after 18 years on sale. It’ll be missed.
28 Aug 2025
Best cars of the 1990s – the ultimate driver’s cars from three decades ago
Best '90s cars
Best cars

Best cars of the 1990s – the ultimate driver’s cars from three decades ago

The 1990s was a goldilocks decade in some ways – new technologies married old-school sensibilities in sensational driver’s cars
30 Aug 2025